bumpy

[buhm-pee]

adjective

bumpier, bumpiest 

1. of uneven surface; full of bumps.

   a bumpy road.

2. full of jolts.

   a bumpy ride.

3. causing jolts.

   Bumpy air shook the airplane.

4. having many difficulties or failures; full of ups and downs.

   He had a rather bumpy career before he settled down in his present job.

bumpy

/ ˈbʌmpɪ /

adjective

1. having an uneven surface

   a bumpy road

2. full of jolts; rough

   a bumpy flight

Other Word Forms

• bumpily adverb
• bumpiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumpy¹

First recorded in 1860–65; bump + -y ¹

Example Sentences

In addition, the Las Vegas track is bumpy, and the speeds on the long straight along the Strip are high, further increasing floor wear.

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Starting anew, even for musical deities, can be a bumpy road.

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As Simon read, Penelope’s skin turned all goose bumpy.

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All that thought-provoking conversation and the culinary brilliance of Chef Philippe, not to mention the long walk to the Piazza Hotel and the bumpy ride back, had eaten up a substantial portion of the day.

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That may not be enough to soothe the nerves of some Labour MPs about Mahmood's plans, which could have a bumpy journey through Parliament in the coming months.

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Related Words

• choppy 
• jarring 
• jerky 
• rugged 
• rutted www.thesaurus.com
• uneven